Meridiana becomes Airitaly, challenges Alitalia (3)

We will become new national carrier says Qatar-backed airline

(ANSA) - Milan, February 19 - Meridiana on Monday changed its
name to Airitaly and, with the backing of new shareholder Qatar
Airways, said it was set to become "the national carrier for
Italy", replacing Alitalia.
"We will show that we are the star," said Qatar Airways group
CEO, Akbar Al Baker, presenting the airline's development plans.
"In five years," he said, "the fleet will grow to 50 planes
and will carry 10 million passengers," said Meridiana President
Francesco Violante.